Short answer: the HiVi Swan X3 for better sound quality, the Mackie CR3-X for the lower price. The HiVi Swan X3 ranks #7 of 23 powered bookshelf speakers at $249. The Mackie CR3-X ranks #17 at $99.99, $149.01 cheaper.
What the Mackie CR3-X offers: Erin’s Klippel data predicts 1.95 standalone and 4.87 with an ideal subwoofer. The existing comparative review found less exaggerated tonal shaping and better sustained-output behavior than the original PreSonus E3.5 tested alongside it. Midrange distortion was reasonably controlled for inexpensive desktop speakers at moderate listening levels. Watch for: The response spans 4.4dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with substantial narrow-band irregularities and bass rolloff reaching -3dB around 75Hz. Bass peaking and crossover-region changes with listening height prevent neutral monitoring. Limiting becomes intrusive above modest desktop levels, and there are no tone controls. Comparisons with the original E3.5 should not be treated as measurements of its second generation.
What the HiVi Swan X3 offers: ASR’s Spinorama data predicts 3.13 standalone and 6.12 with an ideal subwoofer, placing its bass-normalized tonal performance ahead of several similarly small budget monitors. Listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.420, lower than the MR3’s 0.538, indicating fewer local response irregularities by that measure. The compact coaxial layout is convenient for a small desktop system. Watch for: Not a flat reference monitor: the response spans 5.0dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and trends upward toward the treble. Bass reaches -3dB at about 79Hz, so a subwoofer remains important. Coaxial construction alone does not guarantee uniform dispersion, and the preference score does not establish distortion or maximum clean output.
Buy the Mackie CR3-X when the price outweighs sound quality for you, and the HiVi Swan X3 when sound quality outweighs the price instead.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Mackie CR3-X | HiVi Swan X3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 per pair | $249 per pair |
| Ranked | #17 of 23 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #7 of 23 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 8.1"H x 5.5"W x 7.1"D (205.7 x 139.7 x 180.3 mm) | - |
| Frequency Response | 80 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux | RCA |
| Outputs | 1/8" headphone jack | - |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) | - |
| Drivers | 3" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter | 3-inch coaxial woofer and tweeter |
| App | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 50W total (25W per speaker) | - |
| Sensitivity | 96dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) | - |
| Maximum SPL | 92dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.95 | 3.13 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.87 | 6.12 |
| Headphone Output | Yes | - |
| Enclosure | - | Active coaxial, rear-ported |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | - | 71Hz (measured, Spinorama) |
| Configuration | - | Powered desktop monitor |
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- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs HiVi Swan X3
- HiVi Swan X3 vs Edifier M60
Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Mackie CR3-X: $99.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Erin’s Klippel data predicts 1.95 standalone and 4.87 with an ideal subwoofer. The existing comparative review found less exaggerated tonal shaping and better sustained-output behavior than the original PreSonus E3.5 tested alongside it. Midrange distortion was reasonably controlled for inexpensive desktop speakers at moderate listening levels. Measured bass extension of 80Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 96dB.
Cons: The response spans 4.4dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with substantial narrow-band irregularities and bass rolloff reaching -3dB around 75Hz. Bass peaking and crossover-region changes with listening height prevent neutral monitoring. Limiting becomes intrusive above modest desktop levels, and there are no tone controls. Comparisons with the original E3.5 should not be treated as measurements of its second generation.
Full Mackie CR3-X review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 50W total (25W per speaker) |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 8.1"H x 5.5"W x 7.1"D (205.7 x 139.7 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 3" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 80 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux |
| Maximum SPL | 92dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Outputs | 1/8" headphone jack |
| Sensitivity | 96dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.95 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.87 |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Review Measurements More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- DSAUDIO.review: Presonus Eris E3.5 vs Mackie CR3 Sound Demo w/ Bass Test More from DSAUDIOreview →
- DSAUDIO.review: Mackie CR3-X vs Edifier R1280T Sound, Distortion & Frequency Response Comparison
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Mackie CR3-X vs PreSonus E3.5 Budget Monitor Showdown!
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
HiVi Swan X3: $249 per pair eBay
Pros: ASR’s Spinorama data predicts 3.13 standalone and 6.12 with an ideal subwoofer, placing its bass-normalized tonal performance ahead of several similarly small budget monitors. Listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.420, lower than the MR3’s 0.538, indicating fewer local response irregularities by that measure. The compact coaxial layout is convenient for a small desktop system.
Cons: Not a flat reference monitor: the response spans 5.0dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and trends upward toward the treble. Bass reaches -3dB at about 79Hz, so a subwoofer remains important. Coaxial construction alone does not guarantee uniform dispersion, and the preference score does not establish distortion or maximum clean output.
Full HiVi Swan X3 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 71Hz (measured, Spinorama) |
|---|---|
| Configuration | Powered desktop monitor |
| Drivers | 3-inch coaxial woofer and tweeter |
| Enclosure | Active coaxial, rear-ported |
| Inputs | RCA |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.13 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.12 |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons